WELCOME ICEBREAKER

What was a highlight for you in 2006?

WORSHIP

Leaders you are encouraged to use the new P&W DVD. If you missed receiving one at the annual Christmas party please check with Jen Neuman.

WORD

Paul writes a thank you letter from his jail cell in Rome to the church in Philippi for their help in his hour of need. The church here had helped Paul out on at least two other occasions. Paul first visited this city eleven years before this letter was written. This city was a military post for the Romans and it was here that Paul was imprisoned with Silas. This letter contains one of the most popular promises in the Bible in chapter 4 verse 19.

As a group read and discuss Philipians 4:10-19.

• What is Paul’s secret to contentment? Why doesn’t he complain?
• Where did he learn this?
• What does verse 13 mean in light of the context?
• How can we shift our focus off our earthly bank account to the account we have in heaven?
  • Read also: 1 Timothy 6:18,19
• What does verse 18 mean when it talks about a sweet smelling sacrifice?
• Why does generosity take faith?
• It has been said that there are two kinds of people in the world, givers and takers. As a group list characteristics of each.
• Why is Paul so sure that the church in Philippi will be cared for? (Vs. 19)
• See how Paul spoke about them in 2 Corinthians 8:1, 2.
• Look up the following verses on being generous:
  • Psalm 112:5,6; Proverbs 11:25; 22:9; Ecclesiastes 11:1,2; Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:8-11; Hebrews 13:16; 1 Peter 4:9

WORK

Pray for the needs of your group as we enter the New Year. Challenge your group to purpose to commit to the home group and growing in Christ.